Name:

Renewable Resources

Balancing the needs of both the economy and the environment is a difficult task for governments, and your Premier has called on you to make some decisions about the future of renewable energy in BC. Water energy (hydroelectricity) is already heavily used here and the Premier wants to begin investing in other resources because creating new dams is expensive and often met with resistance from people who don’t like how dams damage local ecosystems. Read the article carefully and record pros and cons of each before making a final decision.

Type of Renewable Energy

Advantages Disadvantages

Water Energy Non-polluting Inexpensive to produce once

dam is built

Damming rivers can destroy plant and animal life

Building the dam itself can be very expensive

Solar Energy

Biomass Energy

Wind Energy

Tidal Energy

Each one of these resources has advantages and disadvantages and the Premier has asked you to make a wise decision. How should BC invest money in renewable energy going forward? Remember, BC is already heavily invested in water energy, and the Premier wants to invest in other areas. Explain in detail which renewable energy resource BC should invest its money in to ensure people in this province have clean, reliable energy sources for the years to come. The Premier is counting on you to make the best recommendation you can so BC can balance both economic needs and environmental needs.

Dear Mr. Premier,

After careful thought and consideration, my recommendation for investment in BC’s renewable resource industry is…